...I used to hate "Precious Moments" figurines...

...but I kind of like these!

...about "toxic personalities"...

My daughter sent me this little article, and I didn't realize this was actually a personality type. We probably all know someone like this. Unfortunately, our family has been involved with someone like this for many years. It can suck the life right out of not just the person directly involved, but the entire family as well.

"I was reading a yahoo article about the worst of the toxic personalities out
there...

1. "Manipulative Mary": These individuals are experts at manipulation tactics. Is
a matter of fact, you may not even realize you have been manipulated until it is
too late. These individuals figure out what your 'buttons' are, and push them
to get what they want.

Why they are toxic: These people have a way of eating away at your belief system
and self-esteem. They find ways to make you do things that you don't
necessarily want to do and before you know it, you lose your sense of identity,
your personal priorities and your ability to see the reality of the situation.
The world all of a sudden becomes centered around their needs and their
priorities."

You could never imagine how many people can be hurt, and the depth of the pain, by the antics of just one person. How do they learn their behaviors? And how do you get them out of your life? Sometimes it seems impossible to simply walk away.

...here's another thing I miss...

A BIG FAT JUICY CHICAGO-STYLE HOT DOG...................

...how homesick I am for Chicago...

This is Lake Shore Drive (southbound lanes). Where the road curves is Oak Street Beach. The John Hancock Building (with the two antennaes) is straight ahead. The organization I worked for before we were exiled to Virginia, was on the 20th - 22nd floor. I miss Chicago, miss my job, and miss that nice paycheck.

...I'm getting a tad concerned about the GOP...NOT

I don't frigging know where to start. Rush? Cheney? There are so many in the Republican "Think (????) Tank" yet it appears to be running on empty --->

...about more practical gift ideas...

Probably too pricey with the economy the way it is....

This pair of fire extinguishers is very practical --

one for the car...and...

...the other one for use with this...

...or for use on Tuesday nights after watching

"Rescue Me." Aaahoooah! Hot hot hot.

...about Mothers' Day gift ideas...

I was kind of hoping for anything Hello Kitty in case any member of my family wanted to give me a gift...

These items, however, are NOT on my list at all...even though they are emblazened with Hello Kitty's image.

...Mother's Day is coming, and I'm an orphan...

This touching Mother's Day poem comes from my old, old friend, Mohawk Chieftain.

When me prayers were poorly said
Who tucked me in me widdle bed
And spanked me till me ass was red...

Me Mudder!

Who took me from me cozy cot
And put me on the ice cold pot
And made me pee when I could not...

Me Mudder!

And when the morning light would come
And in me crib me dribbled some
Who wiped me tiny widdle bum,

Me Mudder!
Who would me hair so neatly part
And hug me gently to her heart
Who sometimes squeezed me till me fart...

Me Mudder!

Who looked at me with eyebrows knit
And nearly have a king size fit
When in me Sunday pants me shit,

Me Mudder!

When at night her bed did squeak
Me raised me head to have a peek
Who yelled at me to go to sleep...

Me Fadder!!!!!!!!!!